Minnesota Business Entity Search

A Minnesota business entity search is done with Search Business Filings, part of the Business Filings Online system run by the Minnesota Secretary of State. It is free, needs no login, and covers corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits and assumed names. So whether you search for a "Minnesota secretary of state business search", an "MN SOS business search" or a "Minnesota business lookup", this is the official place to go.

Use it to confirm a company's exact name and file number, check if it is active, find its registered office or agent, or test whether a new name is free.

How to search Minnesota business filings

1. Open Search Business Filings on the Secretary of State's site.
2. Type the business name. Punctuation is not needed.
3. To search by number, click "File Number" first and then enter it.
4. Set the search scope to "Begins With" or "Contains". Contains is better when you only know a word in the middle of the name.
5. Choose to see active records, inactive records or both, and decide whether to include prior names. Including prior names finds a company that has changed its name.
6. Click "Details" next to the right result.

What the record shows

The Business Record Details page lists the legal name, file number, business type, filing date, status, registered office address, registered agent if one is named, and the renewal due date. For corporations and LLCs, the principal executive office and manager or chief executive may also appear. A filing history lists amendments and annual renewals.

• Active / In Good Standing means the annual renewal is current.
• Inactive covers businesses that are dissolved, expired, terminated or merged. Read the details to see which one.
• Administratively terminated or dissolved usually means the business skipped its annual renewal. It can often be reinstated by filing the missed renewal.

Checking and reserving a name

Search the full name and short forms of it, and include prior names. Minnesota rejects a name that is not distinguishable on the record from one already in use, including assumed names.

A name reservation holds a name for 12 months and can be renewed for more 12 month terms. The fee is $55 online or in person and $35 by mail, per the business filing fee schedule. See the name reservation page for the form. If you need ideas, use our business name generator.

Ordering a certificate of good standing

You can order one right from the search. Find the business, click "Details", then choose "Order Certificate". Enter an email address, submit, and pay by card. The certificate usually arrives by email within minutes and downloads as a PDF. The state fee is $15 online, or $5 by mail or in person. Copies of filings can be ordered the same way.

Forming an LLC in Minnesota

1. Check the name with Search Business Filings.
2. Pick a registered office address in Minnesota. A registered agent is optional.
3. File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The fee is $155 online or in person and $135 by mail.
4. Write an operating agreement and get an EIN.
5. File the Annual Renewal each calendar year by December 31, starting the year after you form. There is no fee for an LLC renewal, but missing it leads to administrative termination.

The Secretary of State start a business page links to every form. For planning help, see how to start a business and our business plan template.

Common problems

A DBA name does not match any company

Minnesota keeps assumed names in the same state database, not with counties. Search the assumed name and the record will name the person or entity behind it. Anyone using an assumed name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State and publish it in a qualified newspaper. Assumed names also need an annual renewal.

The business shows as inactive

Check whether it was terminated for a missed renewal or closed on purpose. If renewals were missed, the business can usually file them to get back to active.

I cannot find a company I know exists

Switch the scope to "Contains", include inactive records and prior names, and try the file number if you have it. The company may also be formed in another state and only registered here as foreign.

Next door: the Wisconsin business entity search and the Iowa business entity search, or browse all states on the business entity search hub.